Are deepfakes identity theft?

Deepfakes, or AI-generated images, are not inherently classified as identity theft. Creating deepfakes in and of themselves is not illegal. However, the context in which they are used can potentially involve illegal activities, including identity theft.

Identity theft involves the deliberate use of someone else's identifying information, generally for financial gain, without their consent. If a deepfake is used to impersonate someone for fraudulent purposes, such as to access their financial accounts or to commit fraud under their name, then it could be considered identity theft.

It's important to note that the creation and distribution of deepfakes can lead to other legal implications beyond identity theft. For instance, some states have laws against the non-consensual distribution of intimate images, which could apply to certain types of deepfakes.

Furthermore, depending on the jurisdiction, using deepfakes in a manner that harms another person's reputation could potentially result in civil liability for defamation, even if it does not meet the criteria for identity theft.

In conclusion, while deepfakes are not inherently identity theft, their misuse can potentially lead to identity theft or other legal consequences.